A Fan's Notes (Note 1: J.A. Happ Is Bad.)

My friend Dave took me to Thursday night's Twins/Mariners tilt at Target Field.  Here are my thoughts on it.

• I was wondering if Seattle's reputation for bad, non-King Felix pitching was well-earned.  Then I watched the first inning. The "J.A." in J.A. Happ stands for "Just Awful."  This is my joke.  I made it. Please retweet.
• Phil Hughes wasn't sharp, either, but got his sixth consecutive win.  His referred to his 5-inning victory as a "five-and-dive," and I like this expression.
• Also from Phil Miller's Twitter feed, Fun with Small Sample Sizes:

  Aaron Hicks has been No. 2 hitter in Twins' lineup 3 times in his career: He's 8-for-14 (.571) w/ 2HRs, 4 RBIs. Small sample sizes are fun.

  — Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) July 31, 2015

• I was there the night that Aaron Hicks was intentionally walked so they could pitch to Joe Mauer.  This actually happened, and it made sense:
• The Bro Haircuts of Target Field:

  

  Their inability to stand up and sit down at the right time of game action was frankly stunning.  American Crew Fiber Pliable Molding Creme must affect situational awareness.
• I've been to enough games at Target Field that I can give my official and authoritative Best Place for a Pre-Game Drink and Nosh to The Depot Tavern.  It is wonderful.
• Really thought Eddie Rosario was gonna hit for the cycle.
• If you're wondering where Robinson Cano was last night: abdominal strain. If you are still clinging to Twins-related optimism/'Nant Fever, the very worst the Twins can do this weekend is 3 out of 4, especially with the Tulo & Price-improved Blue Jays looming.
• It was nice to see Glen Perkins work around a leadoff walk to pitch an otherwise stress-free 9th inning.  Here is a picture of him and a dude in a red shirt: